Books for Children in the Aboriginal Community

Summary

The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation works tirelessly to provide programs aimed at improving the literacy standards of Australia's Indigenous population. New books and stationary products are desperately needed for the children of the remote Australian Aboriginal community of Nhuluneuy and Yirrkala.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

A significant gap exists between Australia's Indigenous and non-Indigenous population. By almost all socioeconomic indicators, they are the most disadvantaged group in Australia. Education is a major cause of this, with four in five Aboriginal children falling in the bottom 5% of national literacy testing.

How will this project solve this problem?

Not enough books and learning resources are available in the remote Indigenous communities of Australia. Those books that are available are often old, of poor quality, and not appropriate or relevant to the unique Aboriginal culture. Providing new and interesting literacy material will equip the children with the tools necessary to be inspired and develop a love of reading from a young age.

Potential Long Term Impact

The program recognises that an experience with books in early childhood is a key factor in literacy success. The aim is to encourage children to read and learn and ultimately remain committed to education throughout secondary school and beyond. Through this, the Aboriginal children of Nhuluneuy and Yirrkala will be much more likely to escape the crime, poor health and poverty that has stricken so many others in the area.

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